Roberta Reads

  Review - 5 out of 5 stars: The Miss Underhay Mysteries is one of my absolute favourite series, so I was thrilled to be invited to review the 20th book, Murder at the English Manor. Kitty and Matt are called in by Mrs Craven, who is worried about the disappearance of her maid’s sister.  I loved this book. There’s a fine collection of characters for Kitty and Matt to investigate, and things are not always as they seem. I had a lot of fun following along as they tried to figure out what has been going on. I liked the setting too. The rather dilapidated house, with its mausoleum and lake, was an excellent place for a murder mystery.  I can’t say too much more without spoilers, but the culprit was not who I expected, which is always a fun outcome. Overall, this was an excellent mystery, in a great setting, alongside characters who feel like old friends. What could be better? I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Book Description: A glamorous engagement cel...

  Review - 5 out of 5 stars: I very much enjoyed Lydia Travers’ Scottish Ladies’ Detective Agency series, so I was thrilled to discover she had started a new series - the Lady Poppy Proudfoot series. I was not disappointed. This series is set in my favourite decade for cosy crime - the 1920s. The physical setting was also enjoyable - a country house party, though the first murder occurs before most of the guests arrive. I liked Poppy - she’s very confident and quite pushy, but is also kind. She’s determined to be useful, and does her best to be so.  There’s a good selection of characters who make good suspects, and I very much enjoyed seeing Poppy investigating them.  Overall, this was an excellent start to a new series, and I can’t wait to see what Poppy gets up to next. I was given a copy of this book, my opinions are my own. Book Description: Move over, Inspector! Lady Poppy Proudfoot is here to solve her very first case. Scotland, 1924:  When  Lady Poppy Pro...

  Review - 4 out of 5 stars: I’ve been enjoying Jessica Redland’s books for many years now, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review Sunshine After the Rain, the latest in her Escape to the Lakes series. This book follows Melanie when she returns to Lake District seven years after a tragic event. In spite of the serious nature of some of the topics covered in this book (see the trigger warnings after the spoiler line if you want to know more), the story is uplifting. As usual with a Jessica Redland book, I felt involved with the characters right away, especially Mel. It’s totally understandable how she reacted in the past, and it was very rewarding watching her choose to facilitate her healing as best she could. I can’t really say much more without spoilers, but the ending was perfect and comforting. Overall, this was an emotional, but ultimately uplifting story. I definitely recommend it, but save it for later if you’re feeling very emotionally fragile. I was given a cop...